5. From studying photos and watching a number of
good players it will become obvious that there is great variation in
the right hand position . In addition, it should be realized that the
right hand Lisboa position is different than that of the Coimbra
style. (see photos below). The difference between these two styles is
best understood by study with a master of each style. However, here
are some comments which should be helpful.

Photo of Lisbon hand position with index finger
playing free-stroke

Photo of Coimbra hand position with index finger
playing rest-stroke

In the Lisbon style, the index finger mainly plays
with free-strokes, whereas in Coimbra style there is heavy reliance
upon rest-strokes. While the free-stroke can be played with either
the index finger or the thumb, in Lisbon style the use of free-stroke
by the index finger is most importance.The free-stroke basically
involves playing one course of strings without coming to rest on an
adjacent course. In contrast, the rest-stroke involves playing across
one course and resting on the next course. Another explanation of the
difference is: with the free-stroke (pulsação livre)
the finger crosses the string and proceeds toward the hand, while
with the rest-stroke (pulsação apoiada) the attack is
toward the soundboard.

The fact that the Lisboa style relies heavily on
the free stroke and the Coimbra relies heavily on the rest stroke is
reflected in the way the index finger is used. Many Lisboa players
slightly curve their index finger while playing the free-stroke--such
a slight curvature allows them to cleanly play one string and not
touch the next string. In contrast, Coimbra players seem to play with
the index finger held straight and stiff--this allows them to
forcefully play a string (with a rest-stroke) and then to rest
against the adjacent string.

Some competent Lisboa guitarists tell me that you
should not support the right hand by placing the little finger on the
soundboard or the pickguard, however, I continually observe many good
Lisboa guitarists resting their fingers on the soundboard. It seems
to me that the Lisboa style can be played without resting your little
finger on the soundboard if you position your right arm properly on
the side of the guitar. In the contrast, Coimbra guitarists tell me
that you should rest your hand on the pickguard glued to the
soundboard--such a hand position is used by Carlos Paredes, the great
Coimbra guitarist.

6. One typical playing position is shown in the
photo below.

Photo of me with my João Palmeiro guitarra

Some players center the guitarra and rest it on
both thighs (as in the photo above). Others rest the guitarra on the
right thigh. I find that if I rest it on the right thigh I feel more
comfortable with a small footstool under by right foot.

Many players play with both feet on the ground,
some good players, such as Carlos Gonçalves (one of Amalia
favorite accompanists), use a small foot stool under the left foot.
Such a stool should rise the foot about 3 to 4 inches (75 to 100
mm).